Conservation Volunteering New York

Citizen Science Tour Stop #2: NestWatch Bird Reproduction Monitoring

Join us in honor of **Citizen Science Month** as we explore different ways data is collected in SMR through our citizen science program. Feel free to join us for the entire tour or pop in for the program that interests you most. Ages 11+ (Adults are required to stay with their minors.) Lori LaBorde, Citizen Science Program Coordinator, will be speaking about the history and trajectory of the projects and how these efforts benefit research and decision making at the local level. Schedule: **Stop #2:** **2:30-3:00pm NestWatch** Meet at Hawk Hill to explore the methodology that contributes to understanding more about local bird reproductive success rates. Learn how you or someone you know can volunteer for this project! Stop #3 8:15-9:30pm Meet at Locust Grove for an evening Night Hike to a FrogWatch monitoring site. Experience the excitement of collecting data at night! \*Wear durable closed toe shoes and bring water to all tour sessions. \*\*\* In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2026 online, I hereby release and agree to hold the SMC, its volunteers, staff and Board of Trustees, harmless from and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act, in this SMC activity, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any other SMC activity. I understand that this release discharges the SMC from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives, may have against the SMC with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any SMC program. This liability waiver and release extends to the SMC along with Essex County and its staff and any other affiliated organization or SMC partner. I also understand that by signing below I approve the possible use of photos of me at this SMC event on social media or in promotional materials. **BY REGISTERING FOR THIS HIKE I attest I am in good health and attest that I: Am not experiencing any symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.** **Am following all CDC recommended guidelines, above, and limiting my exposure to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.** \# Arrival\, Weather\, & Cancellations Please come to the starting point 10 minutes ahead of time so the hike can start promptly. Times are our best estimates; they can vary depending on conditions, and the size and pace of a group. If you have any questions, call the leader. **Temperatures above 90 degrees and steady rain cancels, but intermittent drizzle does not. You will* not *be notified. Bring water. Wear hiking boots, preferably waterproof with good soles and traction devices and bring poles (optional).** Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specified. These hikes are publicized first to SMC members and then advertised to the public one week before a hike. There is a limit of 25 participants, so pre-registration is required at least two days before a hike to sign the liability waiver online and allow lists to be sent to hike leaders. If you have registered and then find you cannot attend, please cancel your order online. **Repeated no shows without prior cancellation will result in removal from list.** **To become a current member visit [[https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)]([https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)).**

Central Park Bird Walk- WARBLERS!

Bird walk with an experienced naturalist and bird guide. $20 per person for 2 hour walk. To register please send $20 via Venmo to @Deb-becker-8 or $21 via Paypal to editconsul@aol.com See WARBLERS & spring birds. Location will be posted by 10am on the day of the walk. We always meet at a major entrance to Central Park off 5th Avenue.

National Trails Day Hike w/ Sharon ~6 miles

**LED BY SOUTH MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY** **Essex County South Mountain Reservation - Tulip Springs Area Hike** Time: 8am-11am Meet at: Essex County South Mountain Reservation, Tulip Springs Parking Lot, Cherry Lane Distance: 5+ miles, Intermediate level. Suitable for ages 16 and up. From Tulip Springs the Lenape trail takes us to Oakdale then to the walkway around the Waterfront, where we pick up the Zoo Loop. We will continue on Zoo loop, passing the Turtle Back Zoo and Codey Arena on Northfield Ave. After visiting turtle back rock, we head back to Tulip Springs on the lower turtle back trail. Meet at: Tulip Springs, large parking area next to pavilion **Leader**: Sharon Salmon 973-715-5554 (cell) \*\*\* In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2026 online, I hereby release and agree to hold the SMC, its volunteers, staff and Board of Trustees, harmless from and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act, in this SMC activity, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any other SMC activity. I understand that this release discharges the SMC from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives, may have against the SMC with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any SMC program. This liability waiver and release extends to the SMC along with Essex County and its staff and any other affiliated organization or SMC partner. I also understand that by signing below I approve the possible use of photos of me at this SMC event on social media or in promotional materials. **BY REGISTERING FOR THIS HIKE I attest I am in good health and attest that I: Am not experiencing any symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.** **Am following all CDC recommended guidelines, above, and limiting my exposure to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.** \# Arrival\, Weather\, & Cancellations Please come to the starting point 10 minutes ahead of time so the hike can start promptly. Times are our best estimates; they can vary depending on conditions, and the size and pace of a group. If you have any questions, call the leader. **Temperatures above 90 degrees and steady rain cancels, but intermittent drizzle does not. You will *not* be notified.** **Bring water. Wear hiking boots, preferably waterproof with good soles and traction devices and bring poles (optional).** Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specified. These hikes are publicized first to SMC members and then advertised to the public one week before a hike. There is a limit of 25 participants, so pre-registration is required at least two days before a hike to sign the liability waiver online and allow lists to be sent to hike leaders. If you have registered and then find you cannot attend, please cancel your order online. **Repeated no shows without prior cancellation will result in removal from list.** **To become a current member visit [[https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)]([https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)).**

Historic Riverside Park Volunteer Service & Lunch Under The Trees

Turtle Back Rock w/ Donna ~5 miles

Meet at Turtle Back Rock parking lot. 9:30. Moderate hike 5 -6 miles ups and downs and some rocky sections. Bug spray water needed and snack. **Leader**: Donna Burkat- 973-454-5635 call or text if you need to cancel. \*\*\* In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2026 online, I hereby release and agree to hold the SMC, its volunteers, staff and Board of Trustees, harmless from and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act, in this SMC activity, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any other SMC activity. I understand that this release discharges the SMC from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives, may have against the SMC with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any SMC program. This liability waiver and release extends to the SMC along with Essex County and its staff and any other affiliated organization or SMC partner. I also understand that by signing below I approve the possible use of photos of me at this SMC event on social media or in promotional materials. **BY REGISTERING FOR THIS HIKE I attest I am in good health and attest that I: Am not experiencing any symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.** **Am following all CDC recommended guidelines, above, and limiting my exposure to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.** \# Arrival\, Weather\, & Cancellations Please come to the starting point 10 minutes ahead of time so the hike can start promptly. Times are our best estimates; they can vary depending on conditions, and the size and pace of a group. If you have any questions, call the leader. **Temperatures above 90 degrees and steady rain cancels, but intermittent drizzle does not. You will *not* be notified.** **Bring water. Wear hiking boots, preferably waterproof with good soles and traction devices and bring poles (optional).** Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specified. These hikes are publicized first to SMC members and then advertised to the public one week before a hike. There is a limit of 25 participants, so pre-registration is required at least two days before a hike to sign the liability waiver online and allow lists to be sent to hike leaders. If you have registered and then find you cannot attend, please cancel your order online. **Repeated no shows without prior cancellation will result in removal from list.** **To become a current member visit [[https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)]([https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)).**

Little Island - Novice Volunteer Trip

Looking for a day full of both kayaking and being with fellow volunteers supporting our public program? This trip has been scheduled for those volunteering for the 3:00 PM embayment shift, so you can get a morning paddle in before volunteering. Little Island is a no landing trip. We will paddle a short distance each way, perhaps 2 miles, to Little Island, a NYC park suspended over the Hudson on concrete pillars. We'll paddle under the park, into the "concrete jungle", before heading home **PREREQUISITES TO RSVP**: 1. Promise to volunteer with our public programming in 2026. Note, if the trip is full, preference will be given to those on the afternoon embayment shift. AND 2. Completed either 1 training in 2025/2026 with the craft you will be taking or completed a new volunteer session. AND 3. Completed a wet exit in 2025/2026 and show control of your kayak/SUP **Craft**: * Sit on Top - allowed, but limited by the embayment * Sea Kayak - only if completed a wet exit in 2026 and show control of your kayak. NOTE - if you have done a training but not a wet exit yet, we can do one before the trip. Message me please to discuss. * SUP - only if completed 2+ mile round trip or with SUP trainer approval * OC1/OC2 and Surfski can't maneuver under Little Island **Come prepared:** * Change of clothes * Water in a reusable bottle * Sun protection - hat, sunglasses, sunscreen * Anything else you may need to spend 3 hours on the water! **Timeline:** Start readying: 09:30 AM Briefing (cutoff): 10:00 AM Move boats to water: 10:15 AM Depart HCCB: 10:30 AM Arrive destination: 11:20 AM Explore under little island Return briefing: 11:55 AM Depart: 12:00 PM Arrive HCCB: 12:50 PM End of trip: 01:20 PM Eat lunch Embayment 03:00 PM Slack is 11:32 AM. Beforehand, the river is ebbing, with a peak ebb at 07:34 AM of -2.2 knots. After, the river is flooding, with a peak flood at 01:52 PM of 0.9 knots. Sunrise is at 05:28 AM. Sunrise is at 08:26 PM. \-\-\-\- HCCB is completely volunteer run. Our guides generously take time out of their busy schedules to run trips and trainings. Here are our guidelines about cancelations and no-shows: \ *For a trip, please cancel prior to 8:00 PM the day before* the trip. \ *For a training, please cancel at least 6 hours* before the training. If you do not cancel before the cancelation cutoff time, you will be marked as a no-show. Hosts reserve the right to deprioritize you on waitlists after the second no-show of the year.

SMC Trail Work Volunteer Day

**TRAIL WORK** will continue work on rerouting the Hogenauer Trail away from backyard fences. We will meet at the Dog Park (11 Bear Lane) and walk down Crest Drive to the trailhead at Crater View. Trail work is physically challenging but very satisfying as we use hand tools to build and repair trails. Participants must be 15+ years. Those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should wear long pants due to [ticks](https://www.somocon.org/?page_id=193928&fb) and sturdy shoes, and bring gloves (though backup gloves will be available). Tools, water, and a snack will be provided. (Registration is not required though if you sign up on Meetup, it helps us know how many tools to bring.)

Camping with Bronx Satellite

Masters of Impressionism / Walk Through Monet, Van Gogh, and More

**Attention: Please register on the AMC website. MeetUp is not used for trip registration.** https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000017JN7/act00020714 Let us step into the sun-drenched gardens of Giverny and the swirling wheat fields of Provence. This event is dedicated to the masters of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. We will meet at the foot of the [Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/) Main Steps (5th Ave), near the South Fountain/Flagpole. Skip the aimless wandering and head straight to the 2nd-floor galleries (800-830) to immerse ourselves in the works of Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Van Gogh. 🎨 What We’ll Do: 9:45 AM \- 10:00 AM \| Meet & Greet: Gather at the steps for a quick roll call before heading through security together\. 10:00 AM \- 12:30 PM \| The Light & Color Tour: A curated stroll through the masterpieces\. We’ll discuss the "rebellious" techniques behind Monet's Water Lilies and the raw emotion in Van Gogh's Wheatfield with Cypresses\. 📝 Important Notes: Tickets: Please purchase your tickets online in advance or bring your NY State ID for "Pay-as-you-wish" entry. We won't be waiting in the ticket line as a group. Punctuality: The steps are crowded! If you’re late, please meet us inside at Gallery 818 (The Monet Room). Travel Light: Avoid large backpacks to speed up the security check. AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this activity if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic.

You're Invited! AMC Open House - New Members Welcome!

**[>> REGISTER HERE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000012vfx2AA/act00019524)** **Curious about AMC? Come on in!** Join us for a welcoming, community-centered Open House where you can learn more about the Appalachian Mountain Club and how we connect people to the outdoors. Whether you’re a lifelong hiker, a weekend wanderer, or just beginning your outdoor journey, there’s a place for you here. For 150 years, AMC has been fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. At our Open House, you’ll discover how we bring that mission to life through recreation, conservation, education, and advocacy across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. **What to Expect** * Meet AMC staff, volunteers, and members * Learn about local trips, programs, and volunteer opportunities * Explore how our conservation work protects the landscapes we all love * Get the inside scoop on lodging, outdoor experiences, and ways to get involved * Ask questions and find your next adventure **Why Attend?** Because the outdoors is for all of us. And the more we come together, the more we can do to protect it. You don’t need experience. You don’t need gear. You just need the desire to step outside and connect. So bring a friend, your curiosity, and your love for the outdoors. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are new to the AMC, a long-time member, or just curious about us. We can’t wait to welcome you! **Where to Meet** Meet at the Rivian Showroom at 461 West 14th Street in Manhattan. Light refreshments and community at 6:00pm with information sharing starting at 6:30pm.

Bike with Samara Community School students at Van Cortlandt Park!

Central Park Bird Walk

Bird walk with an experienced naturalist and bird guide. $20 per person for 2- hour walk.To register please send $25 via Venmo to @Deb-becker-8 or $26 via Paypal to editconsul@aol.com See hawks, eagles, ducks and spring birds. Location will be posted by 10am on the day of the walk. We always meet at a major entrance to Central Park off 5th Avenue.